Weaning 4 H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine
- Slides: 11
Weaning 4 -H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas Agri. Life Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System http: //aevm. tamu. edu
Objectives Define weaning Discuss the purpose for weaning Discuss the process of weaning Discuss the problems that can arise during weaning
Weaning - the separation of young animals from the dams (mothers) Allow dams to prepare for next birthing and nursing season
Calves 6 to 8 months Stressful Predisposes illness BRD Bovine respiratory disease Black leg Clean well fenced traps Free choice of hay and clean water Pre-weaning vaccinations Go off feed Observe daily for sicknesses
BRD Coughing Wheezing Runny nose Anorectic Depressed Standoffish Financial loss important Precondition calves
Preconditioning <2 months of age Castrate Dehorn Identify (ear tag) 2 -3 months of age Vaccinate st st 1 5 -way Lepto, 1 7 way Clostridia, IBR Growth implant Brand Worm and fly control Introduce creep feeders 4 -5 months of age Vaccinate nd 5 -way Lepto 2 nd 7 -way Clostridia 2 Heifer brucellosis Worm and fly control 6 -8 months of age Vaccinate Live 4 -way IBR BVD BRSV PI 3 Wean Replacement Market
Creep Feeding Free choice feed Easier of calves post weaning
Backgrounding Process of feeding calves post weaning # days 21 to 45 days 45 to 90 days Allows them to adjust Appealing to buyers They know how to eat dry feed out of a bunk They know what a waterer is and how to use it Their immune systems are "primed"
Once adjusted Turn out to pasture 14 -16% protein feed at 1 lb/day Gradually increase to 1% of weight/head/day over 5 to 7 days
Examples 50 weaned calves which average 400 lbs each Initial 50 head x 1# grain/head/day = 50# grain After 7 days 400# calves x. 01 = 4# grain/hd/day 50 head x 4# grain/hd/day = 200# grain/day The amount of grain increases as calves increase in weight
Weaning Other Livestock Same general guidelines Stressful Foals 4 to 6 months Pigs 21 to 28 days 15 to 20 lbs Lambs and kids 6 to 12 weeks
